Baseball America's take: Ranked before the season as the No. 6 prospect in the Pirates' organization. ... "Hanson is very athletic and stronger than his slight build would suggest, and he has enough power to consistently hit balls into the gaps and, occasionally, over the fence. Scouts like his loose swing and fast hands. He has above-average speed and is an aggressive baserunner. Hanson is willing to take a walk but needs to cut down on his strikeouts and make a little bit more consistent contact."

Why you should watch: Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco are two of the Pirates' recent successes with identifying and developing prospects from the Dominican Republic. Hanson is another import the Pittsburgh brass is high on with his athleticism and power potential for a middle infielder. Most evaluators question the switch-hitter's arm strength necessary to play shortstop and all signs point to a potential move to second base, but for now the Pirates are sticking with him at his natural position as long as they can. Friday night against the Senators, Hanson displayed both his top-of-the-order speed (beating out an infield single in the first inning) and his pop from the left side of the plate (line drive home run off Robert Benincasa).